Graduation and Commencement

Commencement is a formal celebration honoring the achievements of graduates and candidates for graduation. The annual ceremony is held after the spring semester. Participation is voluntary and does not mean a degree has been awarded.

Commencement took place May 16, 2015 at the Tinley Park Convention Center

10 am ceremony - College of Business and Administration and the College of Health and Human Services

5 pm ceremony - College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education

Graduates should not leave the ceremony floor until the appropriate time. Only Platform Guests, Faculty/Staff, and Marshals will recess out. All graduates are to remain seated throughout the ceremony unless directed otherwise by the commencement marshals or master of ceremonies.

Important Guest Information

This information is provided so that you and your graduate have a great Commencement experience.

All guests must have tickets to be seated (including children 2 years and older)

Infants and toddlers may be seated in the lap

Children may not sit with graduates

A family friendly seating area will be available to guests with children

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. respectively

Saving seats is not permitted

Seats are not guaranteed for late arrivals

Admission will be temporarily suspended at 9:50 am and 4:50 pm respectively in preparation for the procession of graduates.

Remain in seats for the entire commencement ceremony

Grad Flowers will be makingvariety of fresh cut, flowers available for guests to purchase between the West and South Entrances

All flowers will be offered in a variety of colors as half dozen or full dozen

They will also be hand wrapped on location with baby’s breath and greens with a choice of custom school colored bow

Flowers are to be given to graduates AFTER the ceremony is complete

No balloons or large gifts are allowed in the convention center.

No photographs or videotaping in the front, side or middle aisles.

A live webcast will be available through GSU's website on Commencement day

Ceremonial Etiquette:

The University wants to ensure that commencement is a dignified academic ceremony enjoyed by both the graduates and guests. Please refrain from yelling, shouting, or whistling until all graduates have been individually acknowledged on stage.

Commencement Checklist

If you ordered your cap and gown by the deadline, pick-Up your cap and gown on May 5 or 6 (you will receive tickets at this event). Note: Doctoral students will receive your cap and gown through the College.

If you have a financial balance with GSU, you will not be able to pick-up your cap and gown.

Participants must be in good-financial standing in order to participate in Commencement

Caps and gowns will NOT be available for pick-up on the day of Commencement.

If you are not able to attend cap and gown pick-up, you may send someone to pick-up your commencement items. That person will need:

A signed letter from you authorizing that person to pick-up your commencement items.

Online Ordering: Commencement Sponsors

FAQs

Graduation FAQs

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?Graduation is a process where you complete an application in order to earn your degree. A $50 non-refundable processing fee will be placed on your account. A graduation application is required for each degree you earn at GSU.Commencement is a formal ceremony and participation is voluntary. Participating in the ceremony does not mean your degree has been earned.

I walked across the stage, doesn't this mean I earned my degree?No. Only December graduates from the previous year will have earned degrees by commencement.. Since spring and summer graduation applicants are eligible to participate in the ceremony, their degrees will not be posted until after ceremony has taken place.

Can I use my financial aid to cover the $50 fee?You will need to check with the financial aid office.

What does the graduation fee cover?The graduation fee covers the time and paperwork it takes to post your degree. The graduation fee does not cover any items related to the commencement ceremony (i.e. student regalia).

When will my diploma be mailed?Diplomas are usually mailed out six to eight weeks after final grades have been submitted.

I missed the deadline to turn in a graduation application, who do I contact?You should start with your academic advisor.

Commencement FAQ's

When does Commencement begin?In recent years, GSU has held two ceremonies at 10 am and 5 pm.

How will I know which ceremony I will attend?This will be announced later depending on the number of participants. Participants are grouped by Colleges.

How many tickets will I receive?Participants usually receive four tickets per ceremony for family and guests.

Does my child need a ticket?Children age two or older will require tickets.

How long is the ceremony?The Commencement ceremony lasts about three hours.

Where do I pick-up my regalia?Eligible participants may pick-up regalia at Salute to Grads: Commencement Prep event. If you order regalia online, you may pick them up the day of commencement.If you are a doctoral student, you will receive your cap and gown through your college/division.

How early should I arrive at commencement?Participants should arrive an 90 minutes before the ceremony. Guests should arrive an hour before the ceremony.

Faculty Information - Regalia Information

ATTIRE INFORMATION

The university will no longer provide employees with rented academic regalia. If employees prefer to rent academic regalia rather than purchase their own personalized regalia, each individual employee can arrange rental of academic regalia with Oak Hall Cap & Gown at the employee’s expense.

Orders must be placed by Friday, April, 17, 2015.

Online rental and custom orders ordered via the website or customer service line will be personally delivered by a commencement staff member to your office or to your college’s office when they arrive.

Rental or purchase of regalia from Oak Hall Cap and Gown are at your own expense.

Rental Pricing:

Bachelor cap/gown/tassel/hood - $23.20

Master cap/gown/tassel/hood - $24.60

Optional rental tam - $20.60

Doctor tam/gown/tassel/hood - $47.90

University of Chicago Doctoral Rental - $49.70

If you would like to purchase regalia, please contact Oak Hall’s Customer Service between the hours of 7:30am and 6pm central time at 800-223-0429.

Group orders will not be accepted.Only one complete package may be purchased per order.

If you have questions or wish additional information, please contact Karen Caesar-Smith,